Grand National Security Heavy As Race Goes On

Amid the heaviest security ever at a British sports event, Lord Gyllene won the Grand National on Monday, two days after the famed steeplechase was postponed because of bomb threats.

With Prime Minister John Major and Princess Anne attending the showcase event in defiance of terrorism, explosive-sniffing dogs combed all corners of the Aintree course for the race, which went off without incident.

“I think the whole British nation wish to see this race run,” Major, who rarely attends horse races, said shortly after arriving at the course by helicopter. “This is a message that no one can bomb Britain out of their habits and traditions. I think that’s a clear message to the IRA and a message to the rest of the world as well.”

Princess Anne, a former Olympic equestrian competitor, who was among those evacuated Saturday, returned Monday and presented the winner’s trophy.

On Saturday, police evacuated the course when two bomb warnings were received 30 minutes before the start. Police said the callers used recognized Irish Republican Army code words.

Explosives experts blew up three suspected objects but said they turned out to be harmless. No one immediately claimed responsibility.